PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Norway has had the upper hand in the ski slopes in recent years.
But soon it will be Sweden that will dominate, believes Calle Halfvarsson.
– Norway is an old team, he tells SVT.
Like so many other neighboring countries, Sweden and Norway have always had a great rivalry in the context of sports. Especially in skiing, where both Sweden and Norway have always been at the top of the world.
Northug & Johaug
In cross-country skiing, Norway has had the slight advantage for many years. During its heyday won Peter Northug most that could be won, and was often a thorn in the side of the Swedish riders. The Norwegian ended his professional skiing career in 2018. Since then, Norwegians have Johannes Hösflot Kläbo27, took over the flag.
On the women’s side was Northug’s counterpart Therese Johaugwho until 2022 mostly came top, and often first, in the competitions she participated in.
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But since Johaug finished, the Swedes have taken over the dominance. Jonna Sundling, Frida Karlsson, Ebba Andersson, to name just a few. Karlsson won the Tour de Ski last season, and Andersson was named WC queen after four medals in Planica, including two gold medals.
Now believe Calle Halfvarsson that the Swedish men will soon have the same advantage over the Norwegians as the ladies have.
– The Norwegians are incredibly strong, but I think things will turn around soon. Then if I’m part of it… But we have many young people who are coming, who are “upcoming” now, who are doing very well. I think in a few years it will be different, he says to SVT.
The cross-country skier means that the Norwegians are indeed getting older.
– Norway is also a fairly old team. They are starting to get over 30 many there. So that, they don’t have that many more years left where they will have that dominance, I think. It is actually Kläbo who is among the younger ones and he is no longer a youth either. So I think we will see a shift pretty soon. Then maybe I’m wrong, but I think we’ll catch up there.
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Halfvarsson, who himself is 34 years old, hopes to be part of the shift he sees ahead.
– I also belong to the guard over 30. I may not be there if it takes five years, but it may be two years and then I may still be there, he says to the channel’s website.
The Swedish premiere for the cross-country skiers takes place in Gällivare 17-19 November before the World Cup gets under way in Ruka the following weekend.
Which of the Norwegians and Swedes is having the best season this year? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: Petter Northug’s sneer at Calle Halfvarsson – after the Swede’s baby boom: “Standing up as a nanny”
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